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As the African quote reminds us, “if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” The Center for Dialogue and Conflict Transformation seeks to engage with LCC students, staff, local and international researchers, practitioners, activists, and communities to promote and strengthen a culture of peace both locally and globally.  We invite you to join us on our journey towards building peace.

Virginija Poškutė, a renowned economist and social policy expert, brings a wealth of international experience and a deep understanding of the social issues shaping our world today. As a professor at ISM University in Vilnius, Lithuania, and a former Fulbright researcher in the United States, she has dedicated her career to exploring the complexities of social policy, welfare economics, and societal resilience. In her keynote, Virginija will delve into the evolving roles of government, business, and civil society amid geopolitical uncertainties and social challenges. She will illuminate how shifting perceptions and emerging barriers impact civil society’s voice and vital contribution to peace and justice. Join us to explore pathways toward stronger, more inclusive communities grounded in collaboration and shared responsibility.

Dr. Dorothy Nyambi is a distinguished leader with over 25 years of experience in the international development, entrepreneurial, and humanitarian sectors. Her career is defined by a strong commitment to ensuring that women and girls are not left behind, particularly through her work in impact investing and blended finance. With lived experience across Africa and the Global South, Dorothy has become a champion of economic transformation, driving initiatives that create job opportunities for women and youth, particularly within agri-food systems. As CEO of MEDA, Dorothy leads the organization’s impactful work across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbeans and Southeast Asia leveraging partnerships with institutional funders, foundations, and MEDA private supporter to drive economic growth. A passionate advocate for system change, Dorothy believes in the power of entrepreneurship within market systems to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable, inclusive growth. Through her leadership, she continues to drive systemic transformation that expands youth employment by strengthening the agri-food sector. Dorothy is a founding member of Gender Summit Africa and a life member of AWID.